Mike Jenkins Injury: Updates on Cardinals CB's Recovery from Hand Surgery

Arizona Cardinals cornerback Mike Jenkins broke a bone in his hand on Aug. 1 that required surgery.

It is currently unclear when he'll return to game action. 

Continue for updates.

---

Latest on Jenkins' Practice Status

Tuesday, Aug. 16

Jenkins was dressed for practice on Tuesday and had his right hand "casted up," according to Darren Urban of the team's official website. 

---

Jenkins Out Several Weeks

Monday, Aug. 1

Head coach Bruce Arians said that Jenkins should be able to return in two to three weeks with a cast on his hand, per Urban.

---

Jenkins Expected to Help Bolster Cardinals Secondary 

Jenkins, 31, signed with the Cardinals this offseason after two seasons with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. A torn pectoral muscle limited him to just one game in 2014, though he appeared in 14 contests with the Bucs last year, accumulating 14 tackles. 

He previously spent five seasons with the Dallas Cowboys (2008-12) and a season with the Oakland Raiders (2013). He was a Pro Bowler with the Cowboys in 2009, notching 49 tackles and a career-high five interceptions.

"It was exciting," general manager Steve Keim said of signing Jenkins on July 19, per Kyle Odegard of the Cardinals' official website. "Obviously a guy that’s had his success in the league, an eight-year veteran who has started for four-and-a-half years. Certainly excited to add him to the core. Any time you can create competition at every position, you have a chance to be successful."

In Arizona, Jenkins is expected to compete with Justin Bethel and Brandon Williams for the second cornerback spot opposite of Patrick Peterson, though he was likely acquired for depth purposes. Indeed, Keim confirmed Bethel was the projected starter when Jenkins was signed:

"

Obviously Justin is the current starter, but it’s always going to be an open competition. Knowing Bruce Arians and his staff, we’ll play the best 11 out there, so whoever gives us a chance to succeed. But we have expectations for Justin. He’s got great athleticism and movement skills. He’s got to continue to hone his skills, moreso with the eyes, the vision, the instinctual things that come with the game. And really, more than anything, he just needs to play football. The more Justin plays the better he’ll get.

"

In that regard, Jenkins' injury will offer Williams an opportunity to showcase his abilities and potentially solidify himself on the depth chart. With Bethel likely the starter and Williams having a few weeks to impress the coaching staff, Jenkins will have a lot to prove when he returns from injury if he hopes to carve out a significant role with the Cardinals this season.

You can follow Timothy Rapp on Twitter.